Loading...
Answers
MenuHow do I jump-start my business cash flow when transitioning from consultant to full-service business?
Answers
You need a source of capital to carry you through the receivables period. Basically you've got three options:
-Borrow money to finance the receivables
-Find investors to contribute equity to finance receivables
-Sell the receivables (factoring)
or some combination of these.
In my experience you're talking about making the same leap that a bathroom renovator might make to become a home-building contractor.
The difference in that business is also capital.
Arrange a call if you'd like to discuss your particular case. I can run through a few questions with you and help point you in the right direction.
Best,
David Barnett
I'd likely start by doing competitive analysis + finding your competitors.
Then pitch your competitors to partner with them.
BTW, Net 30-60 is crazy, to me. In fact, Net anything is crazy.
Our agency starts with a $1000 retainer + then we bill weekly. If any client slow pays, they go on 100% retainer basis.
Anyone how has to pay on Net... geez... I won't take. There are just to many people who fast pay.
If you go long Net terms + company dies or sells or loses interest in paying, your out your money.
I just won't even consider a client who required long Net pays.
Net on Monday for last 7 days work is how I go.
Most people pay monthly or weekly base cost + overages which add hours outside their plans.
An accurate cash flow projection can alert you to trouble well before it strikes. Understand that cash flow plans are not glimpses into the future. Watch out for assuming without justification that receivables will continue coming in at the same rate they have recently, that payables can be extended as far as they have in the past, that you have included expenses such as capital improvements, loan interest and principal payments, and that you have accounted for seasonal sales fluctuations. Start your cash flow projection by adding cash on hand at the beginning of the period with other cash to be received from various sources. Have a line item on your projection for every significant outlay, including rent, inventory , salaries and wages, sales and other taxes withheld or payable, benefits paid, equipment purchased for cash, professional fees, utilities, office supplies, debt payments, advertising, vehicle and equipment maintenance and fuel, and cash dividends. “Projections rank next to business plans and mission statements among things a business must do to plan for the future”.
If you got paid for sales the instant you made them, you would never have a cash flow problem. Sooner or later, you will foresee or find yourself in a situation where you lack the cash to pay your bills. And there are normal, everyday business practices that can help you manage the shortfall. The key to managing cash shortfalls is to become aware of the problem as early and as accurately as possible. Banks are wary of borrowers who must have money today. This allows you to borrow money up to a preset limit any time you need it. These people are more interested in keeping you going than a banker, and they probably know more about your business. You can often get extended terms from suppliers that amount to a hefty, low-cost loan just by asking. Consider using factors. These are financial service businesses that can pay you today for receivables you may not otherwise be able to collect on for weeks or months. Ask your best customers to accelerate payments. Explain the situation and, if necessary, offer a discount of a percentage point or two off the bill. You should also go after your worst customers-those whose invoices are more than 90 days past due. Offer them a steeper discount if they pay today. You may be able to raise cash by selling and leasing back assets such as machinery, equipment, computers, phone systems and even office furniture. Make payroll first-unpaid employees will soon be ex-employees. Pay crucial suppliers next.
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath
Related Questions
-
Is a 1.6% profit margin good for a year in the dental lab industry? That is with paying all employees and the owner... What is a good profit margin?
That is a LOUSY return. You'd be better off putting the money in a savings account in the bank. I do not know your industry well, but in mine (Marketing Agency) I aim for a net profit of 15% after paying corporate taxes, wages and all overheads.RC
-
Which is better 1099 vs W2? See details...
I'm assuming you're talking about yourself, working for another company? The first thing to consider is that a "1099" is NOT an employee, rather an "independent contractor". The IRS takes it seriously when a company claims 1099 contractors, when in fact, these contractors are treated as employees (the IRS wants payroll tax and will fine companies that miscategorize). To be a 1099 contractor, rather than an employee (W-2), you must have complete control over your schedule - when you work, how much ect. There are other criteria, but this is the main one - you must clearly not be treated the same as an employee. The other thing to consider is that if you are a 1099 contractor, you are responsible for paying and submitting your own income tax and self employment tax to the state and the IRS. It is more advantageous for a company to pay you as a 1099 contractor as they save paying employer portion of payroll taxes. Also you will not count as an employee for the Affordable Care Act (which impacts companies with over 50 employees). Hope this helps. KathrynKC
-
do you advice on all aspects of running a ecommerce business such as marketing , banking etc?
Yes. For USA based businesses – we consult on everything from conceptualization to completion, including federal, state, and local laws/regulations, etc. We even provide referrals for Branding (Logo/Product Packaging, etc.), Website Building & Security, SEO, Google Search, etc. If you know what you want to sell (and it is not prohibited by law), we are able to provide clarity to have you up and running within 30-days on average.DP
-
Should I add my business to my resume for my start up loan application?
I started my last company and grew it with $20,000 to $12 million in 10 years. And while I was in the early phases, I did put in on my resume.. So, I believe you should. If it is a registered business entity and you are working it, it is still what you are doing, regardless of revenue of the company. If you are performing the tasks in your position, it shows you have been attempting to launch as well as (hopefully) prevents any gaps in employment. It also shows a level of commitment to your venture. We specialize in assisting startups with business plans and structure, so fee free to contact me for additional questions.CD
-
I'm a business in Canada (QC) that mostly does business with USA based clients over the web. What taxes do I need to apply?
I will answer this is the simplest form I can. Basically in every country to conduct business in you will need to pay taxes in that country. If you have an office, employees or your revenue comes from that country you have to pay taxes. These taxes will include State, Federal and Sales Tax. Moreover, this at the beginning will make you think you are paying double tax since this income also has to be paid with your local government, but it isn't so bad. This could be a great opportunity to build a tax strategy where you can take advantage of multi country taxation which can lower your overall tax bracket. There are several steps you have to do to conduct business in the US, such as incorporating first as a foreign corporation in the state you chose (Preferably one with no state tax) then filing your taxes. Your tax preparer in Canada will have to take this in consideration since there are forms he has to fill out to cancel either you Canadian Income Tax or your US tax preparer to fill out the return not to pay taxes here but in Canada... whichever tax you have to pay depending on the international treaties they have.CQ
the startups.com platform
Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.